The fourth annual Jump in the Lake challenge May 6 was “an overwhelming success” and raised more than $25,000 for food banks in Coboconk and Haliburton County, organizer Dean Michel said.

Unlike other organized polar bear dips, participants jumped into the frigid early May waters from their own docks or local piers.

Michel said a few hundred generous donors helped 35 participants raise the much-needed funds.

This year’s Jump in the Lake Challenge will have a significant, positive impact on the Coboconk and Area Foodbank (CAFB) for the next whole year,” said CAFB chairperson Amy Alfredsson. “With more than $16,000 in cash donations collected and more still coming in, the challenge has provided the funds to pay for all of the food bank’s meat purchases over the next 12 months.”

Alfredsson, who jumped into Balsam Lake, added the food bank would not exist without generous community support.

“As a privately-funded, fully volunteer-run food bank, these donations are both welcome and needed at a time when food insecurity and food costs are at their highest.”

Meanwhile, $3,015 was raised for the Minden Community Food Centre and another $3,015 for the Central Food Network (CFN).

CFN’s Tina Jackson said, “this event was a cool one and all participants we’ve chatted with had a blast. We look forward to making this an annual event to help bring people together to have some fun for a worthy cause.”

Jackson added, “food banks in Haliburton County do not receive regular government funding. The majority of our donations come through during the December holiday season – but hunger happens year round. Events such as the Jump in the Lake raise critical funds at a critical time to help keep shelves stocked.”

In four years, the annual challenge has raised more than $150,000 for the community.

“We continue to be amazed how our community has embraced what has now become a fun, annual event,” Michel said.

“When you combine brave individuals and generous donors, good things happen to make a difference in people’s lives.”

Save the date for the fifth annual challenge: Saturday, May 4, 2024.

A Haliburton County chef is using food to build community and fundraise for social change.

Miriam Echeverria, executive chef at Dimensions Retreat Centre in Algonquin Highlands, kicked off Cheffing4good with a pizza fundraiser in Haliburton recently.

The charity makes and sells high-quality food, with 100 per cent of the proceeds going to organizations focused on women or marginalized groups.

“I think food is also a tool for progress,” Echeverria said. “I think it’s a tool that can change perspectives.”

At the event at Tiffany Howe’s How(e) Creative Studio, Cheffing4good raised more than $500 for the Indian Residential School Survivors Society. Every pizza made was sold, each in a box decorated by Echeverria’s coworkers.

She said the charity is a way for her and others in the culinary world to do more than just recognize problems such as the treatment of indigenous communities in Canada.

“There is a lot of awareness and we see regret for what happened in the past, but there’s very little action… But for me, it’s more than about taking action.”

As a professional chef, food seemed to be the perfect way to do so.

Echeverria previously ran the charity under the name Tribe Five Dinners in Toronto, partnering with other women working in Toronto’s culinary world. They hosted dinners showcasing diverse vegetarian and vegan flavour combinations and promoting equitable kitchens.

The main goal of the events was to support communities but also showcase the fact that these kitchens in Toronto are run by women and create a different perspective in our guests when it comes to plant-based food,” she said.

After she moved to Haliburton County, Echeverria and longtime County resident Melissa Tong began brainstorming what the charity could look like in the Highlands.

“A very special thanks to Tiffany Howe Creative on 35 Pine St. for the fun and creative space,” wrote Tong in a media release after the event. “[And] Keegan Kyle for his hard work and dedication from start to finish. And most of all, we would like to thank all of our pizza lovers, donators, and supporters for your hungry bellies and for coming out, even if it was to chat and check it out.”

Echeverria and Tong said they hope Cheffing4good can draw even more community support as it grows.

“I hope that one day it becomes something even bigger and we are able to support different charities but I think what we’re looking forward most of the time is for those charities or non-profit organizations that have very little support,” Echeverria said.

She added the food could continue to change too. Echeverria is originally from Mexico and said she’d love to bring those flavours to future events.

She also put out a call for Highlanders’ help.

“I think it would be nice if there are more folks out there that are willing to offer the space to create another event or even if more people just want to help,” she said.

Find out more about Cheffing4good on Instagram @cheffing4good.

Community Futures Ontario has recognized Haliburton County Development Corporation’s Local Initiatives Program (LIP) as the winner of its prestigious members’ choice award.

Community Futures Ontario has recognized Haliburton County Development Corporation’s Local Initiatives Program (LIP) as the winner of its prestigious members’ choice award.

“The purpose of the LIP is to strengthen Haliburton County communities by supporting community economic development projects that are incremental (new initiatives or enhancements/additions to existing activities) and strive to enhance the resiliency and vibrancy of the community,” Tallman said.

“The purpose of the LIP is to strengthen Haliburton County communities by supporting community economic development projects that are incremental (new initiatives or enhancements/additions to existing activities) and strive to enhance the resiliency and vibrancy of the community,” Tallman said.

Each year, Community Futures Ontario, a government funded program to facilitate rural economic development, recognizes the successes and impact of Community Futures Development Corporations (CFDCs). It handed out awards May 2 at the end of its annual conference.

Each year, Community Futures Ontario, a government funded program to facilitate rural economic development, recognizes the successes and impact of Community Futures Development Corporations (CFDCs). It handed out awards May 2 at the end of its annual conference.

With the warm weather now here to stay, Turtle Guardians is ramping up its activities ahead of what lead, Leora Berman, expects will be another busy summer.

The Haliburton-based non-profit acts as the first line of defence for turtle species across the Highlands. Launched in 2017, the organization – a subsidiary of The Land Between conservation group – conducts research and analysis on the population dynamics and trends of turtles; identifies threats to at-risk species, with a focus on maintaining important wetland areas; maps, designs, and pilots road mitigation measures to avoid vehicle collisions; and excavates, incubates and head-starts hatchlings to help bolster local numbers.

The Haliburton-based non-profit acts as the first line of defence for turtle species across the Highlands. Launched in 2017, the organization – a subsidiary of The Land Between conservation group – conducts research and analysis on the population dynamics and trends of turtles; identifies threats to at-risk species, with a focus on maintaining important wetland areas; maps, designs, and pilots road mitigation measures to avoid vehicle collisions; and excavates, incubates and head-starts hatchlings to help bolster local numbers.

That offering has expanded this year to include older residents. Turtle Guardians held its first adult workshop May 13, with 15 people attending.

“We’ve taught this kind of thing to kids a lot, but we found more and more that adults were interested in learning the basics of caring for turtles,” Berman said.

The program was led by Berman and Grace Wiley, a species-at-risk mitigation technician with The Land Between.

“We cover everything that kids at turtle camp would learn – why turtles are important for our wellbeing and future; what they do for our lakes and water supply; what they do for fish and wildlife. Turtles are one of the most environmentally significant species [in the world] and contribute to healthy ecosystems,” Berman said.

“We teach people how to identify the different species, how to handle and help them. We cover turtle biology and behaviour, how to recognize when they’re uncomfortable. That’s important, so people know what to do if they come across a turtle in need while out in the community.” she added.

Julie and Martin Harris attended the event after reading about Turtle Guardians’ efforts online. The couple relocated to the County in 2021 and have been looking for ways to become more involved in the community.

“This ticked all the boxes. I’m interested in learning more about turtles and how to help protect them, and we’ve had a chance to get to know some more people and learn in a very easy environment,” Julie said.

Asked what her biggest takeaway was, Julie added, “just learning about their habits. And what not to do. Because a turtle imprints in a specific area, you can’t just pick them up and plant them somewhere else. I hadn’t realized that at all. It turns out you’re committing them to almost certain death if you do that.”

All attendees received their level one Turtle Guardian certification. Berman said there are five training levels, with the highest qualifying volunteers to participate in advanced field work.

She noted there are plans to run another workshop in July. Heading into summer, Turtle Guardians has around 70 active volunteers.

“The more people who know how to help turtles in the world, the better,” Berman said.

“The more people who know how to help turtles in the world, the better,” Berman said.

A group of angry Highlands residents travelled to Lindsay May 12 as protests over the closure of the Minden emergency department continue.

Haliburton Highlands Health Services (HHHS) announced last month that it would cease operations at the Minden hospital effective June 1. Community members have spent weeks fighting the decision, launching social media campaigns, starting a petition, and hosting rallies in Haliburton County and at Queen’s Park in Toronto.

The group, led by Minden residents Patrick Porzuczek and Richard Bradley, spent time protesting outside MPP Laurie Scott’s constituency office in Lindsay last week, determined to bring more focus to what they’re calling a “life and death” decision.

“We do not accept this decision. We think this is going to have serious, life-altering ramifications for a lot of people. The community hasn’t been properly consulted, and we don’t think that’s right,” Bradley told The Highlander.

Tina Twyne and her husband, Ian Myers, were two of the 20 people who attended. They called on the local MPP to “stand up for her constituents” and help fight the ER closure. In a previous interview with The Highlander, Scott endorsed HHHS’ decision.

“We’re here to make our presence known and our voices heard,” Tina said. “I feel like Laurie has thrown us under the bus.”

“I asked – everybody here today supported Laurie Scott in the last provincial election. But now, when we need her most, she’s turned her back on us,” added another attendee, David Hammond. “She is our local representative. I want her to represent us on this issue, at least communicate to the powers that be how we feel.”

Scott was not at her Lindsay office at the time of the demonstration, telling The Highlander she had other commitments.

When asked how she responds to claims that area residents feel let down by her lack of action, and response, Scott said, “I understand that many people are concerned about the Minden ER merger. I have released numerous statements on the issue, and I have had discussions with HHHS CAO (Carolyn Plummer), as well as past chairs, nurses, physicians, and, most importantly, constituents.”

Scott said she met with organizers of the rally held in Toronto May 10.

Asked why she was supportive of the Minden emerge closure, Scott said, “HHHS spoke publicly about the fact there were more than 20 ‘close calls’, which would have resulted in the temporary closures of both emergency rooms… in an effort to give at least one emergency department the best chance of remaining open, HHHS made the difficult decision to merge.”

Hammond, who moved to Minden in 2021, said this decision throws his long-term future into doubt.

“We bought where we did because it was so close to a hospital. My wife doesn’t drive, so if something happened to me now, with the Minden site closing, I’m a long way from any emergency room and doctors,” he said.

Twyne believes HHHS is playing with fire by closing the only hospital with immediate access to Hwy. 35 between Lindsay and Huntsville – a busy artery during peak tourism months.

“How many cottagers travel on that road in the summer? How many head-on collisions are there? Minden is a vital hospital. Time matters when it comes to emergencies,” she said. “We need a one-year moratorium on this, where we are consulted… the way this has been handled is not acceptable, it feels like a dictatorship.”

Haliburton Highlands Health Services’ (HHHS) emergency department consolidation plan was shared with the public via County council May 16 – with Minden representatives expressing little confidence in the proposal going forward.

HHHS CEO Carolyn Plummer and board chair David O’Brien faced councillors and some members of the public in the gallery in council chambers in Minden this past Tuesday.

Plummer said the plan is based on the emergency department protocol initially developed in the fall of 2021 when they were first faced with the prospect of multiple, temporary, short-notice, closures of one or both of the County’s ERs due to staffing shortages. She added the protocol had been refined multiple times since “to ensure it would provide as smooth a closure process as possible.”

Plummer said it was only being presented about two weeks out from the Minden ER closure – June 1 – as they wanted to confer with staff on the best way forward.

CEO: ‘staffing will be assessed regularly’

She walked council through staffing plans, physical space changes at the Haliburton site, parking, equipment and supplies, as well as communication.

As for doctors, she said they will have their current staffing prior to the consolidation at the Haliburton site, including one physician from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and one from 6 p.m. until 8 a.m. “With this transition, we’re going to be maintaining that, but also adding one additional physician from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. to deal with the highest volume portion of the day for patients,” Plummer said.

She added they currently have two registered nurses from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and two from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. One registered practical nurse is on 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. She noted the plan calls for an additional RN from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. in summer, an additional RN 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and one from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m., with access to an additional RPN 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. to be shared with the acute care unit. Plummer said there would be an additional nurse in summer and a charge nurse for the day during the transition period.

“Staffing will be assessed regularly and adjusted as needed,” Plummer said.

Minden mayor Bob Carter, during question time, said prior to consolidation there was one doctor in Minden and one in Haliburton at all times, but the new plan calls for 1.5 doctors, “so we are reducing the total emergency doctors…and you feel that is sufficient?”

Plummer answered it was something they had talked about with their physician group. “The coverage we have to operate two emergency departments, and to make sure there’s availability of physicians 24/7, requires two physicians. In a single emergency department, with the combined volume, depending on the time of day, doesn’t always need two physicians. We have added the second physician during the busiest volume time of the day. Our physicians have agreed that in the overnight period, a single physician coverage model is sufficient to manage any additional volume we might experience overnight with this transition.”

Carter pressed Plummer on her comments that the consolidated site was “fully staffed” with doctors.

Going into June, he asked if all 90 shifts were filled. She replied they were still “populating” the schedule. “We have confirmation that we can support that schedule. I’m very pleased actually with the uptake of shifts that have been picked up so far, but right now we are in the same place as we normally would be with filling the Haliburton emergency schedule.”

Carter queried shift coverage for July and August. Plummer said, “we received confirmation last week to go ahead with the schedule as planned and so we will be posting those schedules.”

Carter pointed out that meant no positions were filled as of now. Plummer said they were in the same position they would normally be for the Haliburton site at this period of time. He asked if they had a plan in case the Haliburton site has to be closed this summer, and she said they did.

Plummer said they were working closely with the Ontario Health emergency department locum program and “we’re confident we will have those shifts filled between our own physicians and the emergency department locum program, as we have for the last several years.”

Speaking to other staffing plans, Plummer said diagnostic imaging at the Haliburton site will remain as is, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. with on-call coverage after hours. She added there will be increased hours at the Haliburton site for patient registration, lab services, and security. Minden will still do X-rays and bone density testing by appointment. There will be no job losses.

Non-staffing plans

Plummer said emergency department spaces are increasing from nine to 14 or 15. She said a new trauma bed would be added to the existing two. There will be a new procedure/ treatment room with one stretcher, two to three chairs and the ability to interchange one to chairs with a stretcher if needed.

There’ll be a new fast-track/rapid assessment room with exam table and physician work space. Waiting room space is increasing from 14 to 27. Lab space is also being expanded.

Coun. Jennifer Dailloux asked about wait times and Plummer said, “we do anticipate we may see a slight increase in patient wait times.” However, she said it’s hoped the fasttrack and having a second doctor at critical times will keep that increase to a minimum.

The plan is for 15 additional parking spaces.

Coun. Walt McKechnie said he felt for the Minden community but asked how they would feel if both EDs were being closed. He said they had to give credit to HHHS for a decision they did not want to, but had to, make. “I know people are not going to be happy with what I’m saying here, but I’m just trying to be realistic.”

A couple who owns land in Tory Hill are second-guessing their decision to relocate to Haliburton County permanently after twice being targeted by thieves over the past month.

Laura Hamilton and Michael McCarrey purchased property near the IB&O rail trail in 2021, with plans to build their dream home and move north to raise their two young daughters. While they worked on design plans and finding a contractor, the couple stationed an RV at the site to give them a seasonal destination to escape the city.

“We love hanging out in nature, having campfires in the woods, staring at the stars at night. It’s a really peaceful spot up there, totally different from what we’re used to living in Kitchener,” McCarrey said. “We settled on this place because of the geocaching for the kids, the nice hills, scenery, beautiful trails. It seemed the perfect fit for our family.”

Things turned sour last month when, on April 23, a lone man hopped the fence of the property and helped himself to McCarren’s fishing gear, including two rods and a 35-year collection of fishing lures. The man returned May 4, damaging the fence and stealing a generator. McCarrey estimated the value of goods stolen to be around $2,500, but that much of the fishing gear held sentimental value, being passed down by family members.

McCarren installed security cameras at the site last summer and has submitted footage to the OPP. He said two of his neighbours have also reported thefts in the past two weeks. Attempts to reach the neighbours for an interview were unsuccessful.

Cst. Matthew Taylor of the Haliburton Highlands OPP said police had responded to break and enters at two properties along the IB&O rail trail in Tory Hill recently.

“These are still ongoing investigations… we are looking for witnesses to come forward with any information,” he said. “A good reminder to the community would be to lock it or lose it, as it is always important to lock vehicles and residences.”

Taylor said the incidents are being investigated separately. He declined to reveal if the police had any suspects.

Hamilton said they do what they can to keep seasonal items locked away, noting the culprit used bolt cutters to break a cable lock on the generator. She said the whole situation has left her feeling uneasy.

“I definitely feel vulnerable. I worry about them coming back. Are they going to come while we’re there with our daughters? It’s just so heartbreaking and invasive,” she said.

We’re coming forward with this because we want to alert the community about what’s happening. Lock your stuff up if you’re able to, keep an eye out. Just because it’s not happened to you doesn’t mean it won’t. We didn’t think this kind of thing would ever happen to us.”

McCarrey said there is one silver lining to take from the ordeal.

“My neighbours and I have kind of bonded over this, it’s helped bring us together. I won’t lie, this has taken the wind out of our sails a little bit, but I don’t want to judge the area on this. This kind of thing could happen anywhere. It’s just disheartening to have people invade our privacy and personal space like this,” he said.

Haliburton County is under a total fire ban after five blazes within a 12-hour period May 15 saw the region’s four fire chiefs come together to declare an extreme fire risk.

The ban came into effect 12:01 a.m. May 17. In a release to media, the chiefs say dry conditions, high heat and lack of forecasted rain played a factor in their decision.

So too did three fires in Minden Hills and one each in Algonquin Highlands and Dysart et al Monday.

Minden chief, Shain Duda, said firefighters first responded to a structure fire along South Lake Road, fronting Canning Lake, at approximately 11:15 a.m. Eleven volunteers responded, while Duda called in Dysart for mutual aid. Eight firefighters from Dysart attended.

“It was a total loss of the property. It started as a structure fire and worked its way into a small bush fire. We were able to push everything back and save two buildings on properties side-by-side to the fire,” Duda said.

As his team were wrapping up, they received another call at around 2:45 p.m. for a bush fire on Black Lake. By the time Duda arrived, he estimated the fire was around one hectare. He called in the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry for assistance, with staff flying in a water bomber to help tackle the blaze. Once MNRF officials arrived, it was determined the fire was on provincial land, so they took control of the situation.

Duda said by 6 p.m. May 15 the fire had grown to 2.5 hectares, and by 4 p.m. May 16 was approximately nine hectares. MNRF staff in Stanhope said the fire was still raging as of 1 p.m. May 17, spanning approximately nine hectares. A cause has not yet been determined.

Minden Hills coun. Pam Sayne said the fire came close to claiming a bunkie on her cottage property. She was attending a meeting in Lindsay when her phone started pinging with notifications that the sensor on a camera she has installed on her property was being set off.

Open fires, campfires, fireworks banned

“The camera showed dense smoke in the air. I called 911… after the water bombers quit loading on the lake, I went over to evaluate the situation. Several cottages were saved,” she said.

Duda responded to a third call just after 6 p.m. for a small bush fire on Mountain Lake. That was caused by a tree falling on a hydro pole and was extinguished by around 8 p.m.

“It’s been one of the busiest days I’ve had as fire chief. I want to thank our crew for working all day, not just on one fire, not just doing one task, but sticking around for all three incidents. They did an amazing job and I’m proud of them,” Duda said.

Algonquin Highlands fire chief Mike French said he had five stations and 35 firefighters respond to a bush fire off Hwy. 35 near the intersection of Kawagama Lake Road at around 2:15 p.m Monday. He said the fire threatened multiple structures, including the Dorset Tower.

“We tackled it well. There were no injuries, no structural damage. The fire ended up being five hectares and all bush,” he said, noting it wasn’t being treated as suspicious.

French thanked local employers for releasing volunteer members to tackle the blaze.

“It could have been a lot worse [without the] response we got,” he said.

Shortly after returning from assisting with fires in Minden Hills, Dysart chief Dan Chumbley received a call about a small bush fire along Chalet Road near Eagle Lake at around 4 p.m. Firefighters were on site for two hours, with the half-acre blaze extinguished by 6 p.m.

Due to the fire ban, all burn permits are cancelled while open fires, campfires and fireworks are prohibited. The ban will remain in place indefinitely, with Duda saying the four chiefs will touch base daily to reassess.

“Conditions are extremely risky for fire right now. We saw with the Black Lake situation how quickly a fire can spread. The chiefs will keep our communication lines open, see what’s going on, what the weather is looking like and will provide updates as and when necessary,” Duda said.

Haliburton County will soon be under a total fire ban after five blazes within a 12-hour period May 15 saw the region’s four fire chiefs came together to declare an extreme risk to the community.

The ban will come into effect 12:01 a.m. May 17. In a release to media, the chiefs say dry conditions, high heat and lack of forecast rain played a factor in their decision.

So too did three fires in Minden Hills and one each in Algonquin Highlands and Dysart et al Monday.

Minden chief, Shain Duda, said firefighters first responded to a structure fire along South Lake Road, fronting Canyon Lake, at approximately 11:15 a.m. Eleven volunteers responded, while Duda called in Dysart for mutual aid. Eight firefighters from Dysart attended.

“It was a total loss of the property. It started as a structure fire and worked its way into a small bush fire. We were able to push everything back and save two buildings on properties side-by-side to the fire,” Duda said.

As his team were wrapping up, they received another call at around 2:45 p.m. for a bush fire on Black Lake. By the time Duda arrived, he estimated the fire was around one hectare. He called in the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry for assistance, with staff flying in a water bomber to help tackle the blaze. Once MNRF officials arrived, it was determined the fire was on provincial land, so they took control of the situation.

Duda said by 6 p.m. May 15 the fire had grown to 2.5 hectares, and by 4 p.m. May 16 was approximately nine hectares. A cause has not yet been determined.

Minden Hills coun. Pam Sayne said the fire came close to claiming a bunkie on her cottage property. She was attending a meeting in Lindsay when her phone started pinging with notifications that the sensor on a camera she has installed on her property was being set off.

“The camera showed dense smoke in the air. I called 911… after the water bombers quit loading on the lake, I went over to evaluate the situation. Several cottages were saved,” she said.

Duda responded to a third call just after 6 p.m. for a small bush fire on Mountain Lake. That was caused by a tree falling on a hydro pole and was extinguished by around 8 p.m.

“It’s been one of the busiest days I’ve had as fire chief. I want to thank our crew for working all day, not just on one fire, not just doing one task, but sticking around for all three incidents. They did an amazing job and I’m proud of them,” Duda said.

Algonquin Highlands fire chief Mike French said he had five stations and 35 firefighters respond to a bush fire off Hwy. 35 near the intersection of Kawagama Lake Road at around 2:15 p.m Monday. He said the fire threatened multiple structures, including the Dorset Tower.

“We tackled it well. There were no injuries, no structural damage. The fire ended up being five hectares and all bush,” he said, noting it wasn’t being treated as suspicious.

French thanked local employers for releasing volunteer members to tackle the blaze.

“It could have been a lot worse [without the] response we got,” he said.

Shortly after returning from assisting with fires in Minden Hills, Dan Chumbley received a call about a small bush fire along Chalet Road near Eagle Lake at around 4 p.m. Firefighters were on site for two hours, with the half-acre blaze extinguished by 6 p.m.

Due to the fire ban, all burn permits are cancelled while open fires, campfires and fireworks are prohibited. The ban will remain in place indefinitely, with Duda saying the four chiefs will touch base daily to reassess.

“Conditions are extremely risky for fire right now. We saw with the Black Lake situation how quickly a fire can spread. The chiefs will keep our communication lines open, see what’s going on, what the weather is looking like and will provide updates as and when necessary,” Duda said.